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Real Madrid ask for more time in pursuit of Manchester United target

With Manchester United seemingly in pole position to sign Paul Pogba this summer, Real Madrid have reportedly asked his agent for more time to put a deal together.

The Spanish giants are also keen on the Juventus midfielder, who remains on holiday after being granted an extended break following his exploits at Euro 2016.

According to AS, the club met with Mino Raiola last week to request more time to put together a package for Pogba, as they try to assemble the finances required for a deal worth €120m.

Although United are reportedly close to securing a deal, AS claim that Pogba still has a preference for playing under Zinedine Zidane and is in no hurry to complete a transfer.

It’s added by the Spanish media outlet that Raiola’s suggestion last week that his client would possibly consider a renewal with Juve could be interpreted as a strategy to slow things down with United and allow Real time to come up with their offer.

Whether there is any truth behind that theory is up for debate, but ultimately it looks as though there could be a little longer to wait before Pogba’s future is resolved.

The French international scored 10 goals and provided 16 assists in 49 appearances in all competitions last season, helping the Bianconeri to back-to-back domestic doubles.

Having left United on a free transfer in 2012, the 23-year-old has since gone on to establish himself as one of the top midfielders in Europe, and so staying in Turin would arguably be the wisest move as Massimiliano Allegri continues to strengthen his squad this summer.

Juve are seemingly primed for an assault on both Serie A and the Champions League next season, and Pogba leaving would certainly come as a major disappointment.

Nevertheless, based on the figures being touted and with Real still hoping to engage in a bidding war of sort with United, it may become too difficult for the Italian champions to ignore and they could opt to cash in and reinvest to strengthen further.